Sterculia granules

About sterculia

Sterculia is a natural dietary fibre which is taken to treat constipation or to help regulate the passage of food through the digestive system in people with certain long-term bowel disorders. It is available in packs of granules and also as sachets which contain a measured amount of the granules. Sterculia is available on prescription, and it can also be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Constipation is a common problem. It means either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty your bowels, or passing hard or painful stools. Constipation can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. Some conditions (such as pregnancy) can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines.

Often, increasing the amount of bran in your diet and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation. You will have been recommended sterculia to help relieve constipation if you cannot increase the amount of bran in your diet, or if this is insufficient. It works by increasing the bulk of your stools, which encourages your bowels to move the stools through your digestive system.

The bulking action of sterculia also helps to regulate the passage of food through the digestive systems in people with certain long-term bowel disorders. It is sometimes prescribed for people with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis and after some types of bowel surgery.

Before taking sterculia

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using sterculia if any of the following apply to you:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• If it is intended for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• Si tiene alguna dificultad para tragar.

• Si está tan estreñido que cree que puede tener una obstrucción.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to take sterculia

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about sterculia and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Take sterculia exactly as your doctor tells you to, or as directed on the pack. The usual dose for an adult is 1-2 sachets (or 1-2 heaped 5 ml spoonfuls) taken once or twice a day. Place the dry granules on your tongue and then wash them down with a large glassful of water. Do not chew the granules as you swallow. Alternatively if you prefer, you can swallow the granules mixed with some soft food that doesn't require chewing, such as yoghurt.

• It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Do not take sterculia just before bedtime, or if you are lying down.

• If a doctor or healthcare professional has recommended sterculia for your child, check the label on the pack carefully to make sure that you give the correct dose for the age of your child.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, no se preocupe, tome la siguiente dosis cuando corresponda. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as sterculia. However, if after four days you do not feel that your symptoms are improving, or if they get any worse, you should stop taking sterculia and speak with a doctor for further advice.

• It is important for you to drink plenty while you are taking sterculia. This is to stop the granules from causing a blockage. Adults should aim to drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.

• While you are taking sterculia, your stools may appear paler in colour than usual. This is nothing to be concerned about.

• Intente seguir una dieta equilibrada que contenga alimentos ricos en fibra, como panes y cereales integrales, fruta y verdura, arroz integral y pasta integral. Si no está acostumbrado a una dieta rica en fibra, puede ser mejor que aumente la cantidad de fibra que ingiere de forma gradual.

• Mantener el cuerpo activo le ayudará a mantener el sistema digestivo en movimiento, así que intente hacer algo de ejercicio diario con regularidad.

• Puede incluir en su dieta algunos alimentos que contengan sorbitol. El sorbitol es un azúcar natural. No se digiere muy bien y atrae agua al intestino, lo que tiene el efecto de ablandar las heces. Entre las frutas (y sus zumos) con alto contenido en sorbitol están las manzanas, los albaricoques, las grosellas, las uvas (y las pasas), los melocotones, las peras, las ciruelas, las ciruelas pasas, las frambuesas y las fresas.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate health information leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Constipation in Children.

Can sterculia cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones which can occur with sterculia. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the granules, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store sterculia

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos